Newcastle United rejected approaches this transfer window from Portsmouth and Oxford United for Alex Murphy. The young Republic of Ireland defender has made two appearances for the Magpies and recently penned a new long-term deal at the club.
The Magpies may well have been willing to let Murphy go out on loan to gain first-team minutes if it wasn’t for their transfer shortcomings. Newcastle missed out on top target Marc Guehi and look set to end the window having not added defensive cover apart from free agent Lloyd Kelly.
Newcastle reject two approaches for Alex Murphy
Eddie Howe has repeatedly spoken about his frustrations in this transfer window and how difficult it has been to navigate. The Magpies have managed to bring in Kelly and John Ruddy on free transfers, while also spending money on Odysseas Vlachodimos – who looks set to leave on loan – and William Osula who’s yet to score a first-team goal above League One.
So, it’s no surprise that they’re unwilling to lose any potential cover, especially in defence. While these approaches came a bit earlier in the window, Murphy may well have been allowed to leave the club if Guehi had been signed.
Portsmouth and Oxford – who were both promoted into the Championship last season – reportedly lodged loan offers for Murphy, according to Mark Douglas. The North East journalist admitted the decision to keep him on Tyneside was seen as a way to help beef up defensive options.
Is Murphy ready for first-team football?
While Murphy is yet to start a game for Newcastle, his two appearances have come in the Premier League, which will have handed him valuable experience. The Magpies are keen on adding silverware to their ranks for the first time in over 50 years, so the Irish defender getting starts in cup competitions looks unlikely.
Both Oxford and Portsmouth could do with defensive additions before 11 pm this evening having shipped five goals in three games. The U’s sit just inside the top half of the table, while Pompey are one place below them, so it would’ve been a fierce fight to sign Murphy.
The Newcastle centre-back has a lot of potential with the Magpies handing him a bumper deal in May this year. He’s also already earned two caps with the Republic of Ireland Under 21s, so to have then got a full season of Championship football under his belt would’ve only done good things for his career.
Eddie Howe rates the defender
Howe praised Murphy upon his debut last year labelling him ‘excellent’ and the fact that multiple Championship clubs want him on loan after just two flight appearances says a lot.
The Newcastle manager went on to say the following about Murphy; “I thought he was excellent, really really good. I’ve always liked Alex. I think he’s a very good technician. But it’s really when you find out about players when you’re in this environment- a full crowd, Premier League opposition.”
To have already made first-team appearances for the Magpies – a club with a huge amount of wealth – says a lot about his ability and character. Many youngsters fail to make the grade on Tyneside, but fresh from signing a new deal, Murphy could well be different.